Mayor's Breakfast with Rick Leary, General Manager of OC Transpo

The Mayor's Breakfast is one of our most popular events, bringing together the region's top business, community, and political leaders. This monthly event features valuable networking opportunities, a City Hall update from the Mayor, and high-profile speakers addressing issues that are vital to our city, province and country. Join us and stay informed on key issues impacting the prosperity of our city and get connected with Ottawa's business community.

Agenda:
7:00 a.m. - Networking and Breakfast
8:00 a.m. - Update from City Hall + Fireside Chat with Rick Leary, General Manager, OC Transpo
9:00 a.m. - Event Conclusion

With transit remaining a top priority for Ottawa, this conversation will focus on the future of OC Transpo and the steps needed to strengthen service across the city. Rick Leary will share his perspective on the current state of transit, his early priorities for the system, and the role transit plays in supporting Ottawa’s growth and connectivity.

Special Guest: Rick Leary, General Manager, OC Transpo

Rick Leary is the General Manager of OC Transpo at the City of Ottawa and brings more than 25 years of experience leading transit systems across major North America. He began his career 42 years ago as a unionized transit operator with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). He then progressed through senior leadership roles at the MBTA in Boston and York Region Transit in the Greater Toronto Area. Most recently, Rick served as Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) from 2017 to 2024.

Throughout his career, Rick has led large, integrated bus, light rail and subway networks, with responsibility for operations, maintenance, safety, and long-term asset management. His leadership focuses on service reliability, improving customer experience, and using performance data to align day-to-day operations with long-term investment priorities. Rick holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, a Master of Public Administration from Northeastern University, and a Master’s Certificate in Administration and Management from Harvard University.